Topic outline

The presence of large numbers of migrants often leads to the identification of conflicting interests, leads to social tensions and can lead to open conflict. Regardless of the scale of the phenomenon, to date no Community instrument has been created to help ease the very real existential problems. The absence of such programs is not in the interest of Europeans, hinders dialogue and, despite all of the obvious fruits stemming from the mobility of EU citizens, has led to a fall in support for the whole process of integration. It seems that it is high time for a shift in our understating of the borderland in contemporary European and to decide whether such a redefinition could improve programs supporting European integration. This lecture touches upon these issues and aims at pointing towards possible solutions.

Burrell, K., Staying, returning, working and living: Key themes in current academic research undertaken in the UK on migration movements from Eastern Europe. Social Identities, 16 (3), pp. 297-308, 2010.